Final answer:
Archaea are the ancestors of more advanced life that can survive in extreme environments, evolved early in Earth's history, and are prokaryotes, sharing some traits with eukaryotes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to which ancestors to more advanced life on Earth can survive in extreme and hostile environments is Archaea. Archaea are unique organisms that evolved early on our planet and have adapted to thrive in extreme environments such as hot springs and polar regions. Unlike eukaryotes, like animals and plants, Archaea are prokaryotes, meaning they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. These resilient microorganisms can survive in both hypo- and hyper-osmotic conditions, often due to their cell wall structure. Some bacteria are also capable of forming endospores to withstand heat and drought.
Archaea are different from Bacteria and Eukarya, however, evidence shows that eukaryotes may share a more recent ancestor with Archaea rather than with Bacteria. The three domains of life—Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya—all evolved from a common ancestor, with Archaea and bacteria representing the prokaryotic lineages. Archaea's unique characteristics and ability to inhabit extreme environments provide insight into the early conditions on Earth and have implications for understanding evolutionary processes and the nature of life.